Healthy Menu Ideas for Busy Homesteaders
gluten-free | grain-free | dairy-free | tree nut free | egg free
by Alexa Lehr | The Pioneer Chicks | September 7, 2023
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Many of us have chosen to become modern pioneers in hopes of finding a more simple, less chaotic way of life than what our modern culture offers. However, that doesn’t mean that our homestead life isn’t any less busy! Especially as harvest season rolls around, kids may be going back to school, and winter prep begins. Of course, we can make decisions to help us be busy in a meaningful way, but that will probably look different for each modern pioneer. Nonetheless, we all have to eat. And being a modern pioneer means being mindful of our diet even when we are busy. This guide to healthy menu ideas for busy homesteaders should help with menu planning on the homestead!
What is a Modern Pioneer Menu?
As a modern pioneer, we should strive to make as many of our meals from scratch in the homestead kitchen. Sourcing our foods right from our homesteads or choosing sustainable sources is also important. But when the homestead life gets busy, it can be helpful to have some quick and easy menu options as backup.
Every single one of these healthy meal ideas are ones that I enjoy and use when I need a quick, easy, and simple meal! Some are store bought food items and others are quick and easy homemade foods. I like to freeze a lot of my homemade baked goods and meals so that I have pre-made options available on busy days.
You will be able to menu ideas to suit diet restrictions such as:
- grain-free
- gluten-free
- dairy-free
- nut free
- corn free
- low inflammation
- low sugar
Thankfully, I live relatively close to an assortment of health food stores, but I also do some shopping online. I find a lot of the store-bought foods that I recommend on Thrive Market and Vitacost. My local co-op, Meijer, Walmart, Aldi, and small health food stores also carry some of the products that I buy.
Breakfast
These breakfast ideas are quick & easy no-bake breakfast options for busy mornings. If you are doing homemade breakfast options, make up a big batch of granola or some homemade bagels over the weekend so you are all set for the early week-day mornings.
Store-bought Options
Purely Elizabeth Granola and SoDelicious Yogurt– A dairy-free breakfast option that I love! Purely Elizabeth granola is my favorite brand because they use coconut oil and coconut sugar and are gluten-free. Some flavors are tree nut free too! I can find this granola at Meijer, Thrive Market, Whole Foods Market, and my local co-op.
Against the Grain Bagels– A grain-free, gluten-free bagel that just needs to be un-thawed and toasted to make a delicious, quick breakfast! I can find these bagels at Whole Foods Market and some local health food stores.
Gluten-free Sourdough Bagel– Sami’s Bakery is my favorite brand of gluten-free sourdough bagel. These bagels can be stored in the freezer until needed. I can find these at my local co-op. You can also order them online from Sami’s Bakery.
Purely Elizabeth Oatmeal Cups- These oatmeal cups are super easy to make and delicious to eat! I love that they are an easy gluten-free breakfast that I can take on the go! I buy these on Thrive Market and can find them in some Whole Foods Markets.
Purely Elizabeth Instant Oats– These gluten-free instant oat packets are super easy to make, all they require is some boiling water! I like to add additional Purely Elizabeth granola clusters and fresh berries to my instant oats to spruce them up.
Homemade Options
Homemade Granola and Milk: Homemade granola can easily be made up ahead of time and enjoyed with a dairy-free milk alternative. My favorite milk to have with granola with is Pacific coconut milk or oat milk. I also like to have SoDelicious yogurt with homemade granola. I can find SoDelicious yogurt at Walmart.
Egg Muffins- These are an easy, protein filled breakfast option. You can freeze egg muffins but I prefer them fresh, so I have to make them up the night before.
Egg Casseroles- Egg casseroles are easy to make up ahead of time and freeze for later. My favorite casserole is this Sweet Potato Spinach frittata.
Freezer Waffles– I make plantain waffles and freeze them for when I need a quick breakfast! I can find plantains at Walmart and Meijer.
Freezer Pancakes- I like to make gluten-free pumpkin oat pancakes or gluten free banana pancakes and freeze them for a quick breakfast. Eat them cold or heat ’em up quick in the toaster oven!
French Toast- I also like to make gluten-free French toast using Sami’s Bakery sourdough bread or my homemade grain-free French toast recipe. I freeze a few slices to enjoy later as an easy breakfast option!
Lunch
Whether you need to pack a lunch every day or you just need something quick and simple to snag before you head on to the next chore… keeping lunches simple on the homestead is easy. More often than not, I usually end up having leftover for lunch. But when leftovers are scarce, my go-to lunch comfort food is a pb&j sandwich.
Store-bought Options
Daiya Mac’n’Cheeze- This mac’n’cheeze is dairy-free and delicious! It does require a little bit of prep, but honestly you only have boil water. Once prepared, it can easily be packed for a lunch. I enjoy eating mine cold! I buy this mac’n’cheeze at my local co-op or through Thrive Market.
Gluten-free Ham Sandwiches- Ham sandwiches are an easy lunch to pack that are healthy and filling. I use Sami’s Bakery gluten-free bread, Applegate ham slices, and dairy-free cheddar cheese slices. For more sandwich ideas and gluten-free bread options, check out this Modern Pioneer Sandwich Guide!
Gluten-free Grilled Cheese Sandwich– I love making a grilled cheese sandwich using Sami’s Bakery gluten-free bread and Daiya cheddar cheese slices. I make my sandwich up ahead of time and then pack it for a quick lunch. I buy Daiya cheese at Meijer.
Grain-free Pita Sandwiches– Pita sandwiches are another favorite of mine. I use Against the Grain pitas, sandwich meat or leftovers, and Daiya cheese. I special order these pitas in bulk through my local co-op because I use them so much for making sandwiches or pita pizzas.
Flax4Life Muffins- These filling muffins are easy to pack with a few veggies and some summer sausage to make a great, delicious lunch! I enjoy the blueberry variety and I love that they contain plenty of healthy fiber. I can find these at my local health food store (The Better Health Market).
Homemade Options
Grain-free Sandwiches- I like to make grain free sandwiches with homemade Chebe all-purpose bread mix or Chebe brand cheese roll mix. Applegate meat slices, dairy free tuna salad, boiled eggs, or peanut butter with homemade jelly make great sandwiches!
Grain-free Wraps- A healthy wrap can be made using coconut wraps, Siete tortillas, or these homemade grain free tortillas. Wraps are easy to pack and delicious! You can use sandwich meat, leftovers, or veggies to fill your wrap!
Jar Salads- Sometimes I like a break from sandwiches, in which case I make a salad in a Mason jar. Taco meat, grilled chicken, leftover roast chicken, or boiled eggs all make great salad bases. Then I like to layer in veggies such as carrots, onion, microgreens, lettuce, and pickles. To top off the salad… plantain chips, Siete chips, seeds and nuts, or granola all add a little crunch to a salad. And don’t forget to use homemade dressing!
Leftovers– I don’t mind cold leftovers… and it’s not uncommon to find me enjoying a bowl of cold soup or cold leftover steaks for lunch. Having leftovers for lunch is a great way to make sure no food goes to waste. And have fun with your leftovers… make them into sandwiches, salads, wraps, or enjoy them with a homemade muffin or slice of coffee cake!
Dinner
Of all the meals, I try to make sure dinner is the one meal I make from scratch every day. However, sometimes that is not possible… so I go to my good ol’ standby of store-bought pizza from the freezer! But truly, the crockpot and Instant Pot have made quick homemade meals on the homestead so much easier!
Store-bought Options
Against the Grain Pizza– A delicious grain-free and gluten-free pizza that can be stored in the freezer until needed. You can even use the leftovers for an easy lunch. I buy my pizzas at my local co-op or Whole Foods Market.
Daiya Pizza- This pizza is a gluten-free and dairy-free pizza option that is delicious! Just like the Against the Grain pizza, Daiya pizza can be stored in the freezer until ready to bake!
Chebe Calzones- I use Chebe pizza mix to make mini calzones for myself! They can be prepared and/or baked ahead of time and frozen for later. They are the perfect gluten-free dinner that is simple and quick!
Against the Grain Baguette- I have found many uses for Against the Grain baguette for quick dinners. I have had BBQ sandwiches, meatball subs, pizza, and baguette boats with this versatile baguette!
Walking Tacos- I like to make walking tacos with individual bags of Boulder potato chips or Inka plantain chips. The taco meat can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for quick and easy use.
Homemade Options
Salads- Salads are quick and easy to make, even when they are topped with meat. You can freeze taco meat, grilled chicken, or cooked chicken to be put on a quick salad later! Fresh veggies are easy to grow in the homestead garden for quick and easy access on a busy weeknight.
Soups- Soups can be made ahead of time and frozen or canned for an easy dinner. I freeze extra soup and when I need a quick dinner, I just unthaw a pint or two of soup and have it with a grain-free baguette or homemade cheese rolls (both of which can be frozen and unthawed as needed). One of my favorite soups to freeze is this venison stew soup and my favorite soup to can is this venison bean chili.
Grain-free Cheese Roll Sandwiches- I like to make these grain-free cheese rolls and freeze them to use for quick dinners. I often have them with homemade BBQ chicken or BBQ venison that I make in the crockpot. Sloppy joe is another quick dinner sandwich meal that can be made in the crockpot too!
Tacos– Whether it’s taco salad or soft tacos, taco meals are super easy to prep ahead of time. The taco meat can be made ahead of time or you can make crockpot tacos. These grain-free tortillas can also be made ahead of time and frozen for whenever you need them!
Snacks
When it comes to choosing healthy snacks… homemade snacks win every time! It is helpful to do snack-prep over the weekends so you have stash to choose from during the week. However, I also like to keep some store-bought snacks on hand for when even the weekends get booked up!
Store-Bought Options
Quinn Pretzels- These are my favorite gluten-free pretzels and they are also corn free! My favorite Quinn pretzel are the peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets which I can find at Whole Foods Market and at Thrive Market. I also like dipping the Quinn twists in gluten-free white chocolate for chocolate covered pretzels!
Epic Jerky- This jerky is a great, protein-packed snack. I buy Epic jerky at Whole Foods Market, my local co-op, and through Thrive Market.
Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears- These are my favorite gummy bears ever! I can find them at Target and through Amazon! Make sure you buy the organic gummies and not the inorganic ones.
Smart Sweets Gummies– I love that Smart Sweets makes gummy bears, sweet fish, peach rings, and sour gummies that are all low in sugar and all-natural! I buy them at Target.
Feridies Peanuts and Unreal Chocolate Drops- I love making a snack mix with these jumbo peanuts, healthy chocolate gems, and dried raisins. It contains good plant-based protein and sweet chocolate! I also like to add freeze-dried fruit and pretzels to the mix.
Barnanas- I like these organic banana bites that are a healthy, fruity snack. My favorite Barnanas are the banana bites covered in peanut butter. I can find these on Thrive Market and at Whole Foods Market.
Kinnikinnick Animal Cookies– I have a soft spot for animal cookies, and these gluten-free animal cookies are the healthiest option I can find on the market. They are free from most common allergens and corn. I can buy them at my local co-op and health food stores.
Mary’s Gone Crackers– Mary’s Gone cracker thins are delicious enjoyed with cheese slices or summer sausage! They are gluten-free, nut free, and corn free.
Homemade Options
Energy Balls- Easy and quick to make, energy balls can be eaten fresh or frozen for later! My favorite variety are these pb&j balls!
Homemade Trail Bars- I always have a stash of homemade trail bars in my freezer for when I need a quick snack! They are gluten-free and nut free.
Gluten-free Zucchini Bars– These gluten-free zucchini snacking bars are perfect to make using homegrown zucchini from the homestead garden. They can easily be frozen for later!
Peanut Butter Protein Bars– One of my favorite homemade snack of all time! These homemade protein bars are made with peanuts, peanut butter, and sweetened with raw honey.
No-Bake Cereal Bars– Another favorite homemade snack of mine is these gluten-free (or grain-free) cereal bars. They are no-bake and super easy to whip up quickly! My favorite grain-free cereal to use is Lovebird cereal or 3 Wishes cereal.
Granola Bars Guide
ZBar Granola Bars- organic, gluten-free, nut free, non-GMO (buy here)
Aloha Granola Bars- paleo, gluten-free, low sugar, high protein (buy here)
Bob’s Bars- gluten-free, whole grain, non-GMO (buy here)
Honey Bars– gluten-free, grain-free, naturally sweetened (buy here)
Munk Pack nut & seeds bars– gluten-free, keto, grain-free (buy here)
Bobo’s– gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO (buy here)
Rx Bars– high protein, no added sugar (buy here)
Kind Protein Bars– gluten-free, nut free (buy here)
Sweets
Homemade cookies take the cake any day when it comes to quick desserts on the homestead! But I am also down for a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a refreshing caramel popsicle. These are some of my favorite sweets and treats to have stocked on the homestead.
Frozen Sweets
Daiya Salted Caramel Popsicles- These are my favorite dairy-free popsicles! They are also gluten-free. I can find them at Meijer.
SoDelicious Wondermilk- the perfect, light, dairy-free dessert that rivals traditional ice cream any day! I find it at my local co-op and health food stores. My favorite flavor is cookies’n’creme. SoDelicious also makes dairy-free popsicles and other plant-based ice cream alternatives to stash in the freezer.
NadaMoo Ice Cream- My absolute favorite dairy-free ice cream! I find it at my local co-op and at Whole Foods Market. My favorite flavors are mint chip and cookies’n’creme.
Cookies & Bars
Kinninnick Oreo Cookies- These are one of the only gluten-free oreo-like cookies that I have found without corn. They are delicious and easy to pack for lunch! I find them at my local co-op and at Meijer.
Enjoy Life Mini Crunchy Cookies- I love that Enjoy Life Foods makes small snack packs of perfectly crunchy or soft baked cookies! Free of the 8 most common allergens too! I buy them at Meijer and Thrive Market.
Partake Cookies- These gluten-free cookies are delicious and easy to pack for any quick lunch! They come in a variety of different flavors and are made with allergy-friendly ingredients. I find a wide variety of flavors at my local Target.
Gluten-free Oatmeal Cookies– These homemade cookies are always in my freezer and I love having them for dessert! I like to make the monster variety and add special things like UnReal drops and Dandies mini marshmallows!
OCHO Bars- I like OCHO bars because they come in all different flavors and sizes and they are gluten free!
While the ultimate goal of a modern pioneer is to limit your dependance on store-bought goods, sometimes having quick and easy backup meals and snacks can make the modern pioneer lifestyle a little less stressful. Hopefully these menu options gave you some ideas for keeping your diet wholesome and sustainable while still managing a busy homestead schedule.
What are your favorite quick and easy menu options on the homestead? Don’t miss any other tips and recipes for creating simple, homestead menus that are easy to follow even if you have a busy modern pioneer lifestyle… join our modern pioneer newsletter community!
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